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Vizquel sets shortstop double-play mark

Vizquel sets shortstop double-play mark

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By Chris Haft
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MLB.com |

DENVER -- Omar Vizquel of the San Francisco Giants was offered a base -- yes, an actual base, square and white with a small post meant for sticking in the ground -- to commemorate his latest achievement.

Said Vizquel, sounding extremely practical, "What am I going to do with a base?"

However, Vizquel was perfectly happy to accept the Major League record of most double plays participated in by a shortstop. The 11-time Gold Glove winner turned the 1,591st of his career, breaking a tie with Hall of Famer Ozzie Smith, in the seventh inning of the Giants' 15-2 victory over the Colorado Rockies.

Vizquel, whose 11 Gold Glove Awards rank second to Smith's 13 among shortstops, paid tribute to the former Padres and Cardinals star.

"It's an honor to me to be above him in double plays because everybody knows how great he was," said Vizquel, 40.

Vizquel jokingly added, "I can finally say that I have quicker hands than him."

The tiebreaking play came with Omar Quintanilla on first base and one out in the seventh. Pinch-hitter Steve Finley smacked a grounder to second baseman Kevin Frandsen, who fed Vizquel to start the double play.

Vizquel also contributed to the Giants' offense, going 3-for-6 and scoring two runs.

Chris Haft is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.